York School Committee weighs in on referendum questions

YORK— School Committee members let the community know exactly where they stand on three statewide referendum questions on the November ballot concerning education.

Jessey Taylor

YORK— School Committee members let the community know exactly where they stand on three statewide referendum questions on the November ballot concerning education.

At its Oct. 21 meeting, the committee discussed what it could mean for York if state voters endorse referendum Questions 2, 3 and 4. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. In York, voting will take place 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the York High School gymnasium.

The committee voted to oppose Question 2, an act to cut the excise tax rate; to support Question 3, which looks to repeal the state school-consolidation law; and to oppose Question 4, which would alter formulas for state and local government spending.

Referendum Question 2 proposes to cut the rate of municipal excise tax by an average of 55 percent on motor vehicles less than six years-old, and would create a sales-tax exemption for hybrid and other energy-efficient motor vehicles.

According to School Superintendent Henry Scipione, if the law passes it would reduce the amount of revenue to the town in the amount of $1 million within the first year. The decrease in revenue from the excise tax collected by the town would have a "domino effect on education," he said. As a result, the town would likely have to increase property taxes to make up the difference or cut budgets that are already under strain.

"This is one of those things that on the surface it appears one way but when you peel back layers of the onion, you can see implications to it," Scipione said.

Committee Chairman Marilyn Zotos voiced her concern that if property taxes were raised, residents might be less willing to approve funds for education.

"With the economic turmoil in the state, revenue decreasing, less money coming from the state than we already expect, to impose a decrease (in excise tax) makes no sense to me. I would be opposed to it," said Vice Chairman Tim Fizgerald.

The committee voted to oppose the proposed decrease in excise tax. York selectmen have also stated an opposition to Question 2. The committee then discussed Question 3, an act to repeal the school district consolidation law.

York schools have already been exempted from the law, which required many town school districts to regionalize. Given York's exemption, the town's schools would not be affected regardless of the Nov. 3 vote's outcome, Scipione said.

"It's really a question for citizens, for individual people, on their belief system about how this decision should be made," he said.

Fitzgerald said residents should vote on Question 3 without any influence from the School Committee.

"I'm kind of on the other side of the fence," said board member Laurie Coffenberry. "We fought so long and hard against consolidation that, in a way, we've already stated our position on it."

Zotos agreed with Scipione, saying the issue really is whether consolidation should be mandated by the state or left to local leaders of each district to decide.

"I would hope I would feel the same about it now as I would have if we were forced to consolidate against our will," said Zotos. "I would like to put forth a support of this and allow those communities that are affected to decide whether they want to remain consolidated or not."

The board voted unanimously to support Question 3 on the referendum.

Question 4, also known as TABOR II, asks voters whether they want to change the existing formulas that limit state and local government spending. The proposal also calls for voter approval by referendum for spending over those limits and for increases in state taxes.

Fitzgerald said he is opposed to passing the law because it would limit funding for critical programs, including education, and would cost taxpayers more money in the long run.

Zotos talked about how questions such as Question 4 often "look harmless" and seem like a good idea, when in actuality they come with unspoken consequences. She urged voters to do their research on referendum questions and make an education decision before they vote.

She said she felt passing Question 4 would stifle York's independence and firmly stated her opposition to changing the formulas. There was no dispute from any of the other board members and together they voted to oppose Question 4.

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